Andre Ethier Hasn't Homered In Nearly A Month

Andre Ethier finished his weekend in Miami with a relatively productive final two days. He had two hits on Saturday and a run-scoring single on Sunday, marking the first time he had back-to-back games with an RBI since July 14-15. But Ethier remains in a power drought, the third longest of his career.

We are nearing a full month since Ethier last hit a ball over the fence, since his July 14 home runs against the San Diego Padres in his second game back from the disabled list. Since that long ball, Ethier has gone 109 plate appearances and 26 games without a home run.

Ethier has always been a streaky hitter so a temporary power outage isn't much of a surprise, but the lack of home runs for this long is a bit troubling for the Dodgers, especially when he has just two home runs in his last 61 games. Last year's power drought — 27 games without one, and just two home runs over his final 45 games — was followed by September knee surgery.

It might be too presumptuous to worry about a possible injury, especially since Ethier is on pace for over 40 doubles. But hitting the ball over the fence occasionally would be nice, too.

Since June 1, Ethier is hitting .246/.327/.340 in 53 games.

Maybe Ethier can erase that bagel against the Pirates in one of the next two days. He is 4-for-13 (.308) with one home run in his career against Jeff Karstens, though that home run came in 2010. Ethier is 11-for-23 (.478) with two doubles, a triple, and four walks against Tuesday starter Kevin Correia, though he has never taken him deep.

Starting Lineups

Ethier is back at cleanup with a right-handed pitcher on the mound for the Pirates. Adam Kennedy gets his first start since returning from the disabled list, getting the call at third base.

The Dodgers are 28-13 all-time at PNC Park.

Game Time: 4:05 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday